Education: Southern Methodist University, Bachelor of Arts / Science
Southern Methodist University, Doctor of Jurisprudence
Son of Texas farmer bought first bank in 1975 for $1.2 million, later sold for $80 million. Biggest score: With Ronald Perelman, sold California's Golden State Bancorp to Citigroup for $6 billion in stock 2002. When in New York, visits Perelman to stake out new banking deals. Other investments include auto-finance outfits AmeriCredit and Triad Financial, oil and gas firm McMoRan Exploration. Southern Methodist U alum donated $20 million in 1997 to build new football venue; SMU Mustangs now play at Ford Stadium. Owns 140,000-acre cattle ranch in New Mexico, compound in the Hamptons.